Executive visits Blue Ridge Mall store, touts progress

Belk celebrating 125th year

By MARK SCHULMANTimes-News Staff Writer

Published: Friday, March 8, 2013 at 6:37 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, March 8, 2013 at 6:37 a.m.

ASHEVILLE — The chair of the northern division of Belk toured the Blue Ridge Mall store and the company’s other Western North Carolina locations Thursday as part of the department store’s 125th anniversary.

“You can’t exist for 125 years and not look to evolve and change,” Bill Roberts said while visiting the Belk store at Asheville Mall.

The result of that philosophy can be seen at the Hendersonville location.

In September, the company completed $2 million in renovations and increased its size by 10,000 square feet, expanding to 76,000 square feet of retail space with new display fixtures, white-tile flooring, ceilings and energy-efficient lighting, as well as updated restrooms and fitting rooms.

Roberts said the Hendersonville store is doing well.

“When we do those investments, we have an expectation we will see a lift in trend, and we have seen a lift in trend in Hendersonville, both in terms of margin and in sales,” Roberts said. “We are really committed to that market. We love Hendersonville.”

Roberts visited the newly renovated store after talking with employees and community members at the Asheville Mall store.

“This way, I can get a sense of the health of the management,” Roberts said.

Belk’s official anniversary is May 29. Its first store opened in Monroe.

To celebrate the anniversary, more than 125 exclusive products will be available for purchase in Belk stores and on belk.com from Belk partners including Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Jessica Simpson, Sam Edelman and more.

Customers also can register online to participate in “125 Days of Prizes,” during which Belk will award a prize valued from $500 to $6,500 every day. Customers can register on Belk’s Facebook page or at belk125prizes.com.

Belk has survived as long as it has because of the mind-set and culture of the organization, Roberts said.

<p>ASHEVILLE — The chair of the northern division of Belk toured the Blue Ridge Mall store and the company's other Western North Carolina locations Thursday as part of the department store's 125th anniversary.</p><p>“You can't exist for 125 years and not look to evolve and change,” Bill Roberts said while visiting the Belk store at Asheville Mall.</p><p>The result of that philosophy can be seen at the Hendersonville location.</p><p>In September, the company completed $2 million in renovations and increased its size by 10,000 square feet, expanding to 76,000 square feet of retail space with new display fixtures, white-tile flooring, ceilings and energy-efficient lighting, as well as updated restrooms and fitting rooms.</p><p>Roberts said the Hendersonville store is doing well.</p><p>“When we do those investments, we have an expectation we will see a lift in trend, and we have seen a lift in trend in Hendersonville, both in terms of margin and in sales,” Roberts said. “We are really committed to that market. We love Hendersonville.”</p><p>Roberts visited the newly renovated store after talking with employees and community members at the Asheville Mall store.</p><p>“This way, I can get a sense of the health of the management,” Roberts said.</p><p>Belk's official anniversary is May 29. Its first store opened in Monroe.</p><p>To celebrate the anniversary, more than 125 exclusive products will be available for purchase in Belk stores and on belk.com from Belk partners including Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Jessica Simpson, Sam Edelman and more.</p><p>Customers also can register online to participate in “125 Days of Prizes,” during which Belk will award a prize valued from $500 to $6,500 every day. Customers can register on Belk's Facebook page or at belk125prizes.com.</p><p>Belk has survived as long as it has because of the mind-set and culture of the organization, Roberts said.</p><p>“We are all about change and looking for ways to improve,” he said.</p><p>“We are constantly looking for ways to do things better.” </p><p>Reach Schulman at 828-694-7890 or mark.schulman@blueridgenow.com.</p>